“The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn," wrote Ralph Waldo Emerson. This idea captures the essence of the Washington County Community Foundation (WCCF)'s remarkable journey. From a single seed, just $5,000 in assets and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of local philanthropy, the WCCF has evolved into a thriving forest of community impact. To date, more than $40 million in charitable investments have served to improve the quality of life across our community. Over the years, the WCCF has become more than a grantmaker -- we've become a catalyst for change.
Our signature initiatives reflect this evolution: WCCF Gives unites community members from all backgrounds in a shared spirit of generosity; educational programming like Community PILLARS and our Nonprofit Leadership & Engagement webinar series equip our charitable partners with fresh ideas and best practices; the Close to Home Fund Disaster & Emergency Fund allows us to be responsive in times of critical need; Community Snapshot offers insights into local issues; and our capacity-building grants strengthen the backbone of local charities, enabling them to grow, adapt, and meet evolving challenges.
“Our 30th anniversary is both a celebration of our legacy and a commitment to our future,” said Michael S. Anderson, WCCF Board Chairman. “Our success stems from extraordinary donors, founders, and neighbors who believed in Washington County's ability to support its members. Their trust formed our foundation, and cultivating relationships within this community remains paramount.”
Central to the year ahead is the WCCF’s engagement in a new strategic planning process. This work will help guide the Foundation’s next chapter, ensuring that our grantmaking, donor services, and community leadership efforts remain responsive, relevant, and impactful.
Strategic planning is both reflective and forward thinking, grounded in past success while remaining open to new ideas and opportunities that will shape the future of Washington County.
As part of this forward momentum, the WCCF is proud to unveil a new identity campaign, featuring a refreshed logo that reflects our continued evolution. While our mission and values remain unchanged, the updated identity highlights our role as a partner, convener, and architect for positive change. It reflects growth, adaptability, and a renewed commitment to serving the needs of our community today and for generations to come.
Throughout the year, WCCF will share stories that highlight the people, partnerships, and generosity that make this work possible. These moments will celebrate progress while underscoring the importance of thoughtful philanthropy in shaping a strong and resilient community.
Three decades have planted deep roots, and our endowment structure ensures our work today will continue in perpetuity, generating impact that grows year after year. The WCCF is here to support Washington County forever.